Ph.d. Position in Advanced Microscopy and

**The project**

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent global chronic diseases. It is intimately linked to oral biofilms formed on the tooth surface (dental plaque), in which _Streptococcus mutans _plays a key role. Recently, mutanofactins were identified as small-molecule secondary metabolites of _S. mutans_, promoting cell adhesion and biofilm formation. However, the mechanisms by which mutanofactins promote biofilm formation are unknown.

In a research consortium including groups from BOKU Vienna and ETH Zürich, we will use a unique combination of synthetic, microbiological, and physicochemical approaches to establish cariogenic model biofilms and characterize bacterial cell surface properties and biofilm matrix interactions, possibly affected by mutanofactins. The project outcomes will inform innovative, effective anti-cariogenic strategies urgently needed for human health and reduce the global economic burden of tooth decay.

**Our goal**

In one of three interlinked Ph.D. and postdoc projects, we will focus on understanding the interactions of mutanofactins with the extracellular matrix in biofilms and cell surface and its effect on the biofilm structure.

We will develop novel methods to measure the influence of small molecules on biofilm and bacteria physical properties impacting surface adhesion and biofilm formation. We will use these methods to understand the presumably novel mechanisms by which mutanofactins control caries biofilm formation.

**Your job**

**Your profile**

**What we offer**

The project is interdisciplinary, with strong collaborations across scientific disciplines.

The project’s coordinator is Prof. Christina Schäffer (BOKU Vienna), and a second project partner is Prof. Erick Carreira (ETH Zürich). You will work at the Institute for Biologically Inspired Materials (BIMat), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, supervised by Prof. Erik Reimhult, in an interdisciplinary group spanning physics, chemistry, and microbiology.

BOKU offers the complete infrastructure for microbiology work, including BSL2 laboratories and analytics for extracellular molecules such as HPLC, FPLC, PCR, GPC/SEC, MS, and FTIR. A fully equipped cryo-preparation laboratory for cryo-SEM with volumescope for 3D-imaging, TEM, wide-field and confocal fluoresce microscopy, and digital phase-contrast holographic microscopy for imaging bacteria and biofilm structure and interactions. Interface and biomolecular interactions laboratory, including dynamic pendant drop, contact angle, FTIR, ITC, DSC, SPR, QCM-D, and BLI.

We especially encourage female applicants, applicants from minority groups, and applicants with disabilities.

For further information, you are welcome to contact Prof. Erik Reimhult

**Benefits**:
Eligibility criteria

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or a related degree of interest with very good to excellent grades.

We especially encourage female applicants, applicants from minority groups, and applicants with disabilities.

Selection process

Additional comments
- Curriculum Vitae
- Diploma for the highest finished degree (expected date of graduation if your master’s degree is not completed)
- Transcript of grades for your university studies (with grade key in English)
- Reference letters or reference contact persons

Offer Requirements

**REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL**

Biological sciences: Master Degree or equivalent

Engineering: Master Degree or equivalent

Technology: Master Degree or equivalent

Physics: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in microbiology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or a related degree of interest with very good to excellent grades.

Specific Requirements

You should have the ability to work in a team, outstanding skills in interdisciplinary work and communication, a very high degree of independence, the ability to develop your own ideas within the project, a very high level of motivation, and excellent knowledge of English.